[Phil Yearout]

I assume that a lot of us who shoot these vintage guns shoot them as they come, not too much in the way of stock alteration beyond permanent or temporary recoil pads, etc?

I'm fairly average in height (a little over 5'11") and around 220lbs (OK; too fat!). Most of my guns are right around 14" LOP give or take an 1/8" or so. For a poor man's LOP gauge my late father-in-law used to put his hand in shooting position and lay the gun on his forearm; if the end of the stock hit the crook of his elbow he figured that was about right. I've also heard that if you mount the gun and your thumb doesn't hit you in the nose you're OK. At the range I'll typically shoot in a shirt and padded vest; in the field I might have as much as 3-4 layers; I always figured all that probably made more difference than a few fractions on the stock so I've never worried too much about it.

Most of my guns are around 2-3/4" DAH, again give or take an 1/8". I currently have a little 20ga on the way that's purported to have 3" DAH and I'm wondering if that's going to be a problem.

Part of me says don't overthink it, just shoot the durn things. I know I don't have the luxury of having all my guns restocked to the same dimensions, so if you don't either I'm curious as to how much variation you find acceptable between guns.

Any input/opinions appreciated. Thanks...